School Social Worker

Location 

This is an onsite role located in Jersey City, NJ.

About the School

Kindle Education is an intentionally diverse 6th-12th grade public charter school that aims to cultivate an equitable community of purposeful individuals who are prepared to navigate our current world and build our future. We believe that a new model of school is required to meet the demands of the 21st century and we are excited to build it. Our doors will open in the fall of 2023 with 66 6th grade students in Jersey City, NJ. We will grow by one grade each subsequent year. We are seeking a dynamic School Social Worker to collaborate with staff, students, and families to foster health and safety within our school community. This role will start in the summer of 2023.

Position Overview

Below is a brief overview, intended to be neither comprehensive nor binding. A flame is organic, never fixed, and we see the development of our school and team in the same way.

As a founding School Social Worker, you will play many roles. We believe that education is best done as a team sport and that we can accomplish exponentially more through collaboration.

As a School Social Worker you will:

• Conduct observations, evaluations, and assessments of students with special needs as part of the evaluation, classification, and placement processes
• Assist in coordinating, developing, monitoring, and evaluating the effectiveness of Individualized Education Plans in collaboration with colleagues, students, and families
• Counsel students individually and in groups in accordance with students’ Individualized Education Plans and 504 Plans, as well as based on need
• Serve as a case manager, as needed
• Initiate, facilitate, and maintain relationships with community agencies and other resources to meet students’ and families’ needs
• Provide crisis intervention, support, and referral services and participate in the development and implementation of the school’s emergency and crisis management plan
• Coach and support other school staff to work more effectively with students with special needs, trauma, and mental health disorders
• Maintain case records
• Perform all duties required as a member of the Child Study Team by administrative code, state and federal laws, and board policy
• Serve as 504 Coordinator, as assigned

As a learner and team member you will:

• Set your own personalized goals with the support of a coach and your peers, thereby acting as a model for self-directed growth and continuous improvement
• Play a proactive role in creating an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued by supporting peers and pitching in when needed

Qualifications

We are looking for creative and adaptive self-starters who are ready to take on the challenge of cultivating an environment that prepares every child to navigate our current world and build our future. Please thoroughly review our website before applying.

• New Jersey School Social Worker Certification
• Alignment with Kindle Education’s school model, mission, and values
• Experience with or strong willingness to develop skills in special needs evaluation and assessment, individual and group counseling with a middle school population, working with families, and case management.
• Knowledge of laws and regulations governing special education.
• Strong relationship building, communication, and organization skills.
• A genuine excitement for working with families, colleagues, and students to ensure strong operational processes that support student learning and growth.
• Readiness to utilize technology, data, and systems of feedback to ensure transparency, consistency, and continuous improvement.
• Team player who is willing to give more than they take.
• Strong belief in the importance of diversity and intentionally integrated communities.
• Someone who seeks first to understand, then to be understood.
• A love for learning, exploring, and tinkering.
• Comfortable with change, ambiguity, and occasional failure.
• A high tolerance for fire metaphors.

Additional Information

We have bold aspirations for what a school can be and while we’ll expect a lot from our team, we will also give a lot in return. We are committed to continually developing our staff to ensure that every team member feels prepared for their role and grows professionally.

We provide a competitive compensation and benefits package that places a premium on your needs and those of your family. The salary range for this position is $55,000-$65,000.

Diversity sparks innovation, creativity, and transformation. We are actively seeking candidates of varying backgrounds and perspectives. If you are looking for a place that values all you have to offer, come help us build it.

Kindle Education is an equal opportunity employer. Work authorization is required (candidate must have permanent authorization to work in the U.S.).